all,--presently brought about infinite
trouble, through disagreement among the authorities.

FROM H. W.

_Nov. 15._ The people are quite disturbed about General Saxton's new
order, which Mr. French and Judge Smith have been trying to explain to
them at church;--in vain, apparently,--for some of the most ignorant
of our people thought they should be obliged to buy land, and came to
C. in distress at leaving the plantation. Others we hear are selecting
their lots, but now comes General Gillmore's order to stop all sales;
I am afraid these poor people, who hate all change and "confusion,"
will have their brains hopelessly confused.

FROM E. S. P.

_Nov. 18._ General Saxton has given orders that all work on the
plantations[148] in preparation for next year's crop shall be stopped,
for he expects to give them up either to the purchasers or the
tax-commissioners very soon. The tax men are here, as amicably
disposed towards each other as cat and dog, and as they are not
remarkable for their efficiency in matters of business, I do not think
it very likely that they will accomplish much this winter. They have
two parties of surveyors at work, but they don't seem to be doing much
but chop vines and sail about the creeks in boats.

FROM W. C. G.

_Pine Grove._ [_Sept. 23._] I think you would be quite astonished at
the refinement and homelikeness of our parlor. Bright table-cloths, a
most elegant couch lately developed,--a comfortable old sofa, pictures
all around, a fancy bookcase almost full of books,--a glass-topped
secretary with an ample supply of pigeon-holes and writing
arrangements,--papers lying around loose,--and a wood fire burning in
the big chimney-place,--won't that do for philanthropists? One door
opens into a large dining-room,--the windows upon a portico, looking
out upon the creek winding among the green marsh grass, with broad
water and islands in the distance. For contrast now and then a pig
squalls vigorously under the house,--for it is getting cold now and
the pigs eagerly seek the shelter of the "big house." It is in vain
to try to keep them out, though I've had a fence built round the
house.

_Nov. 14._ I shall have to take to contraband pants, I'm afraid, as I
did last winter. The negroes can hardly hold me to be of gentle kind,
when they see me doing their own work in their own clothes. I wish you
would come down to see me, if it is only, by the sight of a white
cravat and shining beave